COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: MASTER THESIS

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
ARCH 500	E	10	2	0	0	2	15

Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature)	Assoc.Prof.Dr. Odeta Manahasa odurmishi@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	M.Sc. Manjola Logli mlogli@epoka.edu.al , Friday(s), 14.00-16.30
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	NA
Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered)	Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time:	A-109
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours:	NA
Code of Ethics:	Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:
Course Description:	Under the supervision of the advisor, the students prepare student-led thesis project or a written Master Thesis / dissertation. The dissertation is an opportunity for students to specialise in one of the Department’s renowned research areas, such as architectural design, urbanism, history and theory, sustainability and construction management.
Course Objectives:	Develop an understanding and an appreciation of the quantitative and qualitative research methods; develop an understanding of the principles and processes involved in developing and addressing a specific research question. Insight of the research topics for the final theses project. The Objective of the course is to write the final thesis with the final project.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	Inquiry in research
2	Writing thesis
3	Data collection
4	Data analysis
5	Presenting the outcomes of the research process
6	Analysis and interpretation of findings
7	Writing a summary of the key findings and concluding the thesis

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Introduction to the Master Thesis
2	Discussion on a specific research topic (case by case)
3	In-depth study and research on a specific research topic (case by case)
4	Consultation
5	Consultation
6	In-depth study and research on a specific research topic (case by case)
7	Consultation
8	Pre-jury examination
9	In-depth study and research on a specific research topic (case by case)
10	Consultation
11	Consultation
12	In-depth study and research on a specific research topic (case by case)
13	Consultation
14	Final Consultation

Prerequisite(s):
Textbook(s):	Delivered case by case
Additional Literature:
Laboratory Work:	yes
Computer Usage:	yes
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	Develop an understanding and an appreciation of the quantitative and qualitative research methods
2	Develop an understanding of the principles and processes involved in developing and addressing a specific research question
3	Develop academic writing ablity
4	Alternative development of a Theoretical/Critique Thesis or of an Urban Plan/Design

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years) Program
1	Speaking and Writing Skills Ability to read, write, listen, and speak effectively	5
2	Critical Thinking Skills Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test them against relevant criteria and standards	5
3	Graphics Skills Ability to use appropriate representational media, including freehand drawing and computer technology, to convey essential formal elements at each stage of the programming and design process	1
4	Research Skills Ability to gather, assess, record, and apply relevant information in architectural course work	5
5	Formal Ordering Systems Understanding of the fundamentals of visual perception and the principles and systems of order that inform two- and three-dimensional design, architectural composition, and urban design
6	Fundamental Design Skills Ability to use basic architectural principles in the design of buildings, interior spaces, and sites
7	Collaborative Skills Ability to recognize the varied talent found in interdisciplinary design project teams in professional practice and work in collaboration with other students as members of a design team	4
8	International Traditions Understanding of the International architectural canons and traditions in architecture, landscape and urban design, as well as the climatic, technological, culture-economic, and other cultural factors that have shaped and sustained them
9	National and Regional Traditions Understanding of national traditions and the local regional heritage in architecture, landscape design and urban design, including the vernacular tradition
10	Use of Precedents Ability to incorporate relevant precedents into architecture and urban design projects
11	Conservation and Restoration of Historical Districts Knowledge on historical districts and the gain of conservation consciousness documentation of historical buildings and the understanding the techniques which are needed to prepare restoration projects.
12	Human Behavior Understanding of the theories and methods of inquiry that seek to clarify the relationship between human behavior and the physical environment
13	Human Diversity Understanding of the diverse needs, values, behavioral norms, physical ability, and social and spatial patterns that characterize different cultures and individuals and the implication of this diversity for the societal roles and responsibilities of architects

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Homework	1	50
Project	1	30
Case Study	1	15
Attendance		5
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	2	32
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	15	20	300
Mid-terms	1	6	6
Assignments			0
Final examination	1	14	14
Other	1	23	23
Total Work Load:			375
Total Work Load/25(h):			15
ECTS Credit of the Course:			15

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

To be completed at the end of the semester.